Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 4

Written Answers. - Computer Programmes.

John Bruton

Question:

167 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if the computer programmes in use in her Department currently use a two digit year code or a four digit year code; if it is the former, the steps, if any, being taken to examine each line of computer programme in use in her Department to convert two digit to four digit codes to cope with the identification of the Year 2000; and, if so, when this conversion will be complete. [23478/97]

John Bruton

Question:

168 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of lines of computer code in use in her Department and in each agency under its aegis. [23493/97]

John Bruton

Question:

169 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will give an estimate of the cost of converting and testing computer programmes in use in her Department and in each agency under her aegis for the Year 2000 problem; and the conversion from the punt to the euro. [23510/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 168 and 169 together.

My Department has some systems which use older programming languages such as DBL. The total number of lines of code exceeds 300,000 on these systems. However, such systems are due for replacement as part of the ordinary maintenance and development of the Department's computer systems. The new systems will cater for problems associated with the Year 2000. Most systems are developed using PC based applications, where the estimates of the number of lines of computer code are not relevant. My Department is currently involved in checking its computer systems to see whether two digit fields are in use. Several systems have already been upgraded, and others will be completed as part of the ongoing maintenance of systems. IT staff of my Department are actively involved in managing the conversions required to ensure compatability of software after 1999. The cost of the conversions in the case of my Department has been estimated at some £50,000. This matter is also under examination in the various bodies under the aegis of my Department but the total extent of the changes required and the costs arising have not yet been fully determined.

The euro requirements are also under investigation, and a timetable has been drawn up for implementation. The cost of this is being assessed at present and should be known by April 1998. My Department is working with other Government bodies on both euro and Year 2000 issues through various interdepartmental fora.